Dealing with debt can be one of life’s most stressful situations. Unfortunately, it only becomes more overwhelming when you start facing Atlantic Recovery Solutions debt collection harassment. While ARS is legally allowed to recover debts on behalf of others, they must observe clear boundaries. Many consumers experience harassment during these collections, which is frustrating and illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
If Atlantic Recovery Solutions is making your situation worse through harassment, there are legal remedies to protect you. The Wood Law Firm can assist in stopping these aggressive collection tactics and ensure your rights are defended.
What is Atlantic Recovery Solutions?
Atlantic Recovery Solutions (ARS) is a third-party debt collection agency based in East Amherst, New York. Founded in 2012, they specialize in recovering delinquent debts that originated with other creditors. We expect ARS to operate within the legal limits set forth by the FDCPA, which outlines strict regulations for ethical and non-harassing debt collection.
Contact Information for ARS
- Address: 33 Dodge Road, Suite 108, Getzville, NY 14068-1540
- Phone: (855) 881-1046
Is Atlantic Recovery Solutions a Legitimate Agency?
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Atlantic Recovery Solutions has been in business for several years. However, 59 complaints were lodged against them, primarily regarding harassment and unethical practices. While ARS is a legitimate debt collection agency, its methods have repeatedly been called into question by consumers.
Understanding Debt Collection Harassment
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to protect consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors must follow guidelines when contacting you. If they fail to do so, you have the right to take legal action.
Some actions that violate the FDCPA include:
- Adding unauthorized fees – Collecting more than the actual debt owed by tacking on illegal fees or interest.
- Timing issues – Depositing a post-dated check earlier than agreed.
- Failure to inform – Not properly notifying you about the debt or your right to dispute it.
- Use of offensive language – Employing abusive or obscene language during communications.
- Misleading information – Misrepresenting the amount you owe or pretending to be a legal authority.
- Threats and harassment – Threatening bodily harm, arrest, or legal action they don’t intend to follow through with.
State-Specific Protections Against Atlantic Recovery Solutions Debt Collection Harassment
While the FDCPA is a federal law, many states also have additional regulations that debt collectors must follow. These laws provide an extra layer of protection against unethical practices. If ARS or any other collection agency violates these rules, you are entitled to pursue legal recourse, including monetary compensation.
How to Take Action Against Atlantic Recovery Solutions
If you believe ARS is violating your rights under the FDCPA, it is essential to take action. You have several options:
- File a Complaint: You can report ARS to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state’s attorney general.
- Hire an Attorney: Retaining the services of a legal expert, such as those at The Wood Law Firm, will allow you to file a lawsuit against Atlantic Recovery Solutions. You may be entitled to statutory damages up to $1,000, plus attorney’s fees, without paying out of pocket.
Documenting the Harassment
Should you decide to pursue legal action, having accurate and detailed records of ARS’s violations will be critical. You should:
- Save all letters and emails from Atlantic Recovery Solutions.
- Keep detailed notes of phone calls, including each interaction’s time, date, and content.
- Document any instances where ARS failed to follow the rules laid out by the FDCPA.
This evidence can strengthen your case and lead to a favorable outcome in court.
How to Stop Harassing Calls from Atlantic Recovery Solutions
Debt collectors, including ARS, are legally restricted in how and when they can contact you. They can only call you after 8 a.m. or before 9 p.m., and they must always identify themselves and the purpose of their call. If you are receiving calls outside of these hours, or if ARS is failing to provide necessary information about the debt, they violate the FDCPA.
Furthermore, debt collectors are not permitted to:
- Contact you at work if you have informed them not to.
- Share details about your debt with friends, family members, or coworkers.
Once you inform ARS that you have hired an attorney, all communication must go through your lawyer. The Wood Law Firm can assist by handling all communications on your behalf, ensuring you no longer receive these harassing phone calls.
Cease-and-Desist Letters
Another effective way to stop Atlantic Recovery Solutions debt collection harassment is by sending a cease-and-desist letter. This formal request, when sent via certified mail, requires ARS to stop contacting you. While this doesn’t erase the debt, it does prevent ARS from continuing to harass you over it.
Once they receive your letter, ARS is legally limited to two types of communication:
- Acknowledging receipt of the cease-and-desist letter.
- Informing you of any legal action they intend to take, such as filing a lawsuit.
If you need help with how to proceed or what steps to take, seeking legal counsel is highly advisable. The Wood Law Firm can draft and send the letter on your behalf, ensuring ARS respects your rights.
Legal Representation Against an Atlantic Recovery Solutions Lawsuit
In some cases, ARS may take legal action to collect the debt. If you receive a summons to appear in court, do not ignore it. Even small debts can escalate quickly through legal fees, penalties, and interest. Ignoring the summons could result in a default judgment, allowing ARS to garnish your wages or seize your assets.
Hiring a lawyer is crucial if ARS takes legal action against you. A lawyer from The Wood Law Firm can examine the details of your case, ensure that all fees are accurate, and protect you from unfair penalties. Legal representation drastically increases your chances of a successful defense, and with The Wood Law Firm, you won’t have to pay unless we win your case.
Should You Represent Yourself in Court?
Attempting to represent yourself in court is rarely advisable. The legal process surrounding debt collection can be complex, and with experience, you may gain critical details that could sway the case in your favor. The attorneys at The Wood Law Firm are well-versed in these matters and can craft a strategy to achieve your best possible outcome.
Debt collectors often rely on intimidation and pressure to push consumers into paying more than they owe. A qualified lawyer can spot and dismantle these tactics, ensuring you only pay what is legally required.
How The Wood Law Firm Can Help You
If you’re facing Atlantic Recovery Solutions debt collection harassment, The Wood Law Firm is ready to fight on your behalf. Our team of experienced attorneys will send a cease-and-desist letter to stop the harassing calls immediately. If ARS has violated any aspect of the FDCPA, we will seek compensation for you, including statutory damages up to $1,000 and coverage of all legal fees.
You don’t have to endure harassment alone. The Wood Law Firm is here to protect your rights and ensure Atlantic Recovery Solutions faces the consequences of its unlawful actions. Call us today at +1 844-638-1122 for a free consultation and take the first step towards ending ARS’s harassment.
Atlantic Recovery Solutions Debt Collection Harassment: Know the Signs
If you’re receiving multiple calls from any of the following phone numbers, you may be experiencing harassment from Atlantic Recovery Solutions:
- 716-332-6420
- 866-783-0234
- 716-256-1923
- 888-827-3602
- 480-841-5135
These are just a few examples of phone numbers ARS uses. If you’re getting calls from them or feel your rights are being violated, call The Wood Law Firm at +1 844-638-1122 for immediate assistance.
Your Rights Matter
Harassment from debt collectors like Atlantic Recovery Solutions doesn’t have to control your life. You have the right to stand up against illegal tactics, and The Wood Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way. With the proper legal representation, you can end the harassment and reclaim your peace of mind.
